Friday, July 26, 2013

Rehabilitation from drug or alcohol addiction can last for
weeks, sometimes months. Following treatment, patients must learn to cope with
real world experiences and settings in order to ensure a healthy and
long-lasting recovery. In this entry we will outline some of the challenges
ahead, alongside strategies to help you through the transition.

Aftercare

Aftercare is an important, even vital aspect of the recovery
process. Types of aftercare can range from group and individual counseling
sessions to education and 12-step programs such as AA.

12-Step Groups

Participation in 12-step programs like Narcotics Anonymous
and Alcoholics Anonymous is highly encouraged for those recovering from alcohol
and drug abuse
issues. Most specialists recommend attendance at one of these programs daily
for the first 90 days of post-rehabilitation recovery. Not only will your
attendance promote a focus on your sobriety, and healthy interaction amongst
others who have been through similar situations.

Living Arrangements

Though many patients choose to return home following
rehabilitation, others may benefit from the additional support of a
transitional living program or halfway house. These programs serve as a means
for addicts to move smoothly back towards normal life without the stress
involved with full immersion. Residents are generally required to obtain and
maintain employment, pay bills, and complete household chores.

Temptation

Temptation is an inevitable part of the recovery process.
Whether through relationships, old haunts or experiences, temptation will often
pop up at some point during the transition back to normal life. Preparation and
awareness is key to ensuring that these temptations remain temptations, and not
a full-scale relapse.

Relationships

It’s not uncommon for friends and family members of an
addict to feel some level of resentment, anger or disappointment following
rehabilitation. Trust must be reestablished and cultivated in order to move
forward from the experience. Some addicts may be forced to find new friends who
support and encourage their recovery.

Friday, July 19, 2013

AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) is based on the idea that an
individual may enjoy recovery following addiction through the process of
letting go of aspects in their life they are unable to control, having faith in
a higher power and living “in the moment”. If you are seeking recovery from
alcoholism, Alcoholics Anonymous may be an option to consider. As they like to
say in the program, “it works if you work it.” Learn how below!

Instructions

1 - Locate AA meetings that are close to work and home and
attend them regularly. If you are new to recovery and the program, it’s
recommended you attend meetings daily for the first 90 days, if at all
possible.

2 – Choose and secure a sponsor. Sponsors are longtime AA
members with experience in recovery and stability that can guide you through
the 12 steps of Alcoholics Anonymous while promoting your progress along the
way.

3 – Get involved! Volunteer for a service position within
your alcohol 12
step program. AA service positions can be anything from representing your
chapter at the national service organization to leading meetings. The more
involved you are, the more you will get out of your involvement.

4 – Dive into the “Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous” on a
daily basis. This applies especially on days when you are unable to make a
meeting.

5 – Recite the Serenity Prayer when you feel upset or when
triggers present themselves. This will help return your focus to the positive
in the present.

6 – Life goes one day at a time. Address your recovery
accordingly.

7 – Don’t be afraid to contact fellow AA members when you
require assistance. The community is in place for a reason – use it when
necessary.

Monday, July 1, 2013

Alcohol counseling helps those struggling with alcoholism to
overcome their addiction, while learning healthy, new means to cope with daily
life. For most alcoholics, recovery is a lifelong process, made successful
alongside the support of friends, family and other recovering alcoholics.

One-on-one Counseling

Individual sessions with addiction counselors are perhaps
the most common type of recovery counseling. One-on-one counseling generally
occurs on a regular basis; sometimes up to 7 days a week. During each
appointment, therapists and patients discuss specifics pertaining to the root
of the addiction, different trigger types, and additional factors that play a
part in the individual’s addiction. Sessions are also a platform to plan out
strategies and techniques to help ensure a successful and long-lasting
sobriety.

Root Causes

People become addicted to drugs and alcohol for a variety of
reasons. Determining the roots of the addiction is imperative to the recovery
process, as these factors often serve as triggers for relapse and abuse. Common
factors include stress, childhood abuse and traumatic events. Mental illnesses
such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia and personality disorders may also
be to blame in some cases of alcoholism. More often than not, a combination of
factors is to blame.

Trigger I.D.

Triggers are situations, behaviors and events that lead
alcoholics to use. Identifying each patient’s trigger set is crucial in helping
the addict avoid temptation while learning to cope with problem situations if
and when they arise. Triggers are commonly associated with the root issues of
the addiction.

Group Counseling

Group session provide alcoholics with the opportunity to
share their feelings, goals and experiences with others in similar situations.
These types of sessions help addicts understand that they are not alone in
their struggles.

Family Counseling

Alcoholism is a disease that affects both the addict and
surrounding family on a large scale. Family counseling works to rebuild
relationships that have been damaged or lost due to the addiction. These
sessions also help family members to better understand the disease while
building healthy support for the addict on their path to alcoholism
recovery.